The chapters of freelancing: What page are you on?
Consider your freelancing life as an evolving novel with you as the star. Let's dive into its chapters and learn how to recognise when you're ready to turn the page.
Where are you in your freelancing journey? Think of it as an unfolding story starring you. Let's dive into its chapters and how to recognise when you're ready to make your next move.
Chapter 1: Prototyping Freelancing
Taking the full leap into freelancing can be daunting. But what about a gradual evolution instead of a revolution? Could you cut down your work hours or experiment with freelancing on the side?
How this looks
Consider workshops, quick training sessions, or crafting templates. Start building your brand by showcasing your work and values on LinkedIn or other platforms where your ideal clients are. Interview potential clients to shape your portfolio. This approach lets you gauge your market value and see what resonates.
Ready to turn the page?
You'll never feel completely ready, especially if freelancing is new to you. However, having some clients or projects lined up—or a financial cushion—can be reassuring signals that it's time to leap.
If you want some support, we are running a two-part workshop, ‘Get ready to work for yourself’.
Chapter 2: Freelancing
A straightforward entry point is full-time work for a single or couple of clients. It feels like traditional employment, but your focus is solely on your craft, without the internal admin hassle.
How this looks
You negotiate a day rate and time frame with your client to tackle a specific issue or complete a particular project. Ideally, don't allocate your entire workweek to a single client, as tempting as that may be. Maintain some availability to nurture other relationships; this ensures you have work lined up after your current gig ends.
Ready to turn the page?
If trading time for money feels limiting, consider a pivot. You crave refining your focus— going deep into a niche rather than spreading yourself thin. You're ready for a more strategic approach to finding work and clients. A financial safety net allows you to focus on your business, not just work in it.
Chapter 3: Solopreneurship
Here, the focus shifts to crafting a clear offering that isn't just about selling your time but is centred on the value you bring to the table.
How this looks
Thanks to either your own experiences or deep insights from your client base, you can define a unique selling proposition and offer something tailored to your niche. You start building systems and processes that allow you to do more with less. You outsource tasks to virtual assistants or other freelancers.
Ready to turn the page?
Your expanding needs require more than outsourced help; it needs a team. You are pondering scaling your business. As a friend once put it, it's like deciding to have kids: Are you ready to take on the responsibility for others, or do you prefer the independence and flexibility of being on your own?
There's no right or wrong path, just the one that works for you. So, what chapter are you on? Discovered any I haven't even mentioned? Let us know in the comments, I'm all ears!
If you're thinking of transitioning from freelancing to solopreneurship, consider applying to our inaugural cohort of founding members. Limited spots are available!
The shortcut
Turning the page and starting a new chapter in our journey of working for ourselves can be daunting—we might never be 100% sure!
But, I've tried to put together some clear signs to help you see if you’re ready and to show you where you’re strong and where you might need a bit more work. If you’re wondering whether you’re ready to go solo and work for yourself, why not try our free 3-Min Self-Assessment Quiz?
Interesting opportunities for you
Megan and I have been hand-picking 23 freelance opportunities from job boards, Slack channels and Linkedin to save you some time:
User research & Design
Research Consultant - Amnesty International
Research Coordinator - Queer Britain
Researcher - CQuel
UX Researcher and Designer - Mentalyc
Product Designer - Too Good To Go
Junior Graphic Designer - Back Market
Graphic Designer - GungHo Online Entertainment America
Visual Designer - Global Brand
Operations & Product
Operations Consultant - Global Center on Adaptation
Creative Coordinator - The Booking This
Project Manager - Queer Britain
Project Manager - Catalyst
Product Manager - Wewell
Sr. Associate / Associate - Value for Women
Communication & engagement
Content Developer - ASHRAE’s Task Force for Building Decarbonization
ESG Writing Contractor - Governance & Accountability Institute
Medical Writer Synchrogenix - Certara's Regulatory Science Division
Other gigs
Machine Learning Research Assistant - Understory
DesignBNG Ecologist - Roots Capital Limited
Senior Software Engineer - Tech Matters
Technology Fellow - Our Town Hall
HR Systems Integration Specialist - Gropyus
☕️ If you found this valuable and want to say thanks, buy me a coffee ☕️
♥️ If you found an exciting opportunity and want to share it with the community, click here.
What's happening at IMMA?
🎬 A sneak peek at what's happening behind the scenes:
Our in-person meetings in London and Berlin were so energising and connected us on a different level. ✨ I loved how Oana described the evening.
So we are talking about setting up local chapters to make them happen more frequently. Thanks again to everyone who showed up. 🫶
Travelling also allowed me to reflect on why creating IMMA often feels so slow and frustrating, like running in circles. It turns out that building something is simple; crafting a business that aligns with your values is a whole other story. 😅
Don't miss our monthly reflection session next Friday to help you be more intentional in your business and life. I loved how
Catch me in your inbox again on September 29th. 👋
Take care, and hey, if you liked this newsletter, why not share it with someone?
Talk soon,
Lilli
Work for yourself, not by yourself.
We are a community of independents building our impact-drive business together.
"Start building your brand by showcasing your work and values on LinkedIn or other platforms where your ideal clients are."
I reckon this is only relevant for very visual or illustration focused. The way the freelance recruitment fonctions has very little to do with your "brand" but more about being connected to the right persons, and go through a very classic hiring process where your resume and portfolio will do the job.
Your #1 job is to get to the screening step with a recruiter, and believe me, they never check your portfolio, especially in this economic climate. Get the connection, get the right key words on your Linkedin and resume, and learn to write a short yet convincing cover letter.